And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” (Gen 21,6)

Despite what I wrote last time, the path of following God is not just a strenuous overcoming of obstacles. There is also room for joy and laughter! If we read today that Sarah gave birth at the age of ninety, then we should laugh - at least she encourages us to do so...

It is interesting to note that Sarah is the first person we read in the Bible who laughs. Her laughter is even recorded twice - but each time it is a different laugh. The first, when she didn't believe God's messengers that she was still going to have a child. At the time it seemed absurd to her (there are many things absurd to the human mind on the path of discipleship). But she wouldn't have offended God with that alone. But she went beyond the absurdity; it was not only laughter, but partly mockery, and this touched God, who was expecting and seeking faith from them, and so He let her know, "but yes, you laughed."

But her laughter after she gave birth to her son is a laughter of joy, of freedom, of relief. There is nothing wrong with that; on the contrary, it is a laughter that is empowering, liberating, expressing gratitude. People usually laugh at someone's expense, either directly or when human qualities are parodied in an anecdote or skit. Sarah's laughter at a promise fulfilled is something else entirely. It does not lift itself above anyone; it is an echo of the joy of heaven, a rejoicing of the heart, healing the soul.

Not in vain was Abraham's son named Isaac - "the laughing one". When we experience the workings of God, we are left in awe, and often we can relax and laugh wholeheartedly at it.